Dog Competition Checklist and Planning Guide

A dog competition needs more than a course and a start list. You must secure the venue, confirm permits, appoint judges and a veterinarian, and set clear rules before registration opens. After entries are processed, vaccination records, dietary requirements, start numbers and the match schedule still need checking. This checklist also covers volunteers, weather planning, prizes, equipment and the practical setup needed to keep dogs, handlers and spectators moving safely on the day.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set competition format
2 people
Reserve competition venue
Check permits
Assign judges
2 people
Arrange a veterinarian
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Create registration form
Open registration
Send invitations
2 people
Approach sponsors
2 people
Order prizes and rosettes
Process registrations
2 people
Check vaccination records
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm participants
2 people
Assign start numbers
2 people
Create the match schedule
2 people
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Send participant information
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
3 people
Collect materials
3 people
Print the starting lists
Set out prizes
2 people
Check the dog course
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Inspect the site
3 people
Mark out the competition field
4 people
Set up the course
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Refill water stations
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Conduct a safety check
3 people
Brief the registration team
3 people
Brief the judges
3 people
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Receive participants
4 people
Register dogs
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Give the opening briefing
2 people
Guide the first competition round
6 people
Process interim results
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill the water tubs
2 people
Restock poop bags
Lead the second round of the competition
6 people
Check scores
2 people
Lead the final
6 people
Check the final results
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Dismantle competition equipment
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Empty the coolers
2 people
Lock up the venue
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Collect invoices
Publish results
Thank participants

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Jury folding chairsqty 6
Beer tablesqty 6

Sports equipment

Crowd control barriersqty 24
Agility jumpsqty 8
Slalom polesqty 12
Agility tunnelqty 2
Dog ramp
Competition hoopsqty 2
Marker conesqty 30
Start and finish matsqty 2
Water tubsqty 12
Dog crateqty 4
Line anglesqty 20
Dog waste bag holdersqty 6
Bib numbersqty 80
Scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Whistlesqty 4
Prizesqty 12
Medalsqty 30
Rosettesqty 30

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4
Charging cablesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Pitcherqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broomsqty 4
Eye-catchersqty 2
Trash bag holdersqty 6
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format and rules before opening registration. Decide the classes, judging method and entry requirements early enough to include them on the registration form and participant information.
Book the venue and check permits before sending invitations. Allow at least 6–8 weeks for venue confirmation, local requirements and any changes to the competition layout.
Close registrations with enough time to verify vaccination records and dietary requirements. A 7–10 day gap before the event gives you time to confirm participants, assign start numbers and publish the schedule.
Plan the course and spectator areas together. Leave clear routes around agility jumps, slalom poles, tunnels, ramps and hoops, and use barriers, cones and mats to separate dogs from the crowd.
Prepare an event-day backup plan for weather and power. Check the forecast 48 hours before the competition, and test the laptop, printer, speakers, extension cords and power strips before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog competition?: Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before the event. Venue availability, permits, judges, veterinary cover and sponsor arrangements often take longer than expected, while registration and schedule preparation need a final week of lead time.
When should dog competition registration close?: Close registration 7–10 days before the competition. This leaves time to process entries, check vaccination records, collect dietary requirements, confirm participants, issue start numbers and create the match schedule.
What equipment is needed for a dog agility competition?: Plan the course equipment first: jumps, slalom poles, a tunnel, ramp, hoops, cones, start and finish mats, measuring tapes, stopwatches and whistles. Also provide water tubs, waste bag holders, scoreboards, barriers and a crate, then add tables, chairs and power equipment for administration.
How many volunteers are needed for a dog competition?: Use at least 1 volunteer for registration and administration, 2–3 for course and equipment support, and 1–2 for spectator and dog-flow control. Add more people if several classes run at the same time or the venue has separate entry and exit routes.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.